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Alvarez scored on an unconventional slide in the second inning for the game's only run and turned in a couple of defensive gems to help the Pirates to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.

"I try to be ready every time on defense and anticipate the ball being hit to me," Alvarez said. "Like I've said before, I take a lot of pride in my defense."

Burnett (3-2) gave up six hits, struck out six and walked two over 5 1/3 innings and the National League's best bullpen made it stand up as Pittsburgh extended Chicago starter Ryan Dempster's misery.

Joel Hanrahan worked out of a two-on, one out jam in the ninth for his 11th save.

Chicago left 11 runners on base and went 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position.

Pittsburgh wasn't much better but only needed Rod Barajas' RBI-single that scored Alvarez to beat the floundering Cubs.

"The defense was big," Burnett said. "They saved a couple of them and I was able to find my hook for a batter or two."

The Cubs ran out of chances once the Pirates got to their bullpen, which leads the National League in ERA. Jason Grilli struck out the side in the seventh, Juan Cruz picked off Chicago's Tony Campana at second base to cut short a rally in the eighth before Hanrahan took over in the ninth.

The series continues Saturday, with Chicago's Paul Maholm (4-3, 4.73 ERA) facing Pittsburgh's Kevin Correia (1-5, 4.50). Maholm spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Pirates before signing with the Cubs during the offseason.